Dobbin Road shopper conned, robbed [Crime Log]

The following is compiled from police reports. The Columbia Flier includes descriptions of perpetrators only when the description makes identification possible.

Dobbin Road, 6500 block, between 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. July 30. Victim in store when approached by older man asking for directions. Younger man overheard conversation and older man said he was selling medallions. Older man gave victim medallion because "she looked like nice person." Younger man asked victim for help walking man across street. Younger man asked victim to sit on bench with older man. When he returned, younger man asked victim if she had money in the bank. Victim said she did not and younger man threatened her and demanded she walk to bank and withdraw money. She complied. She then gave money to older man and younger man told her to walk away. Victim cooperated with men because she was afraid they knew where she lived. Medallion was small fake bar of gold in draw string bag.

Other entries from the Crime Log:

East Columbia

Yellow Rose Court, 5700 block, 11:15 a.m. Aug. 2. Juvenile victim in parking lot near address when he was assaulted by five masked assailants. Cellphone and cash stolen. Victim later went to friend's house on Hayshed Lane, where friend's mother called police. Victim transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Green Mountain Circle, 10800 block, 12:18 a.m. Aug. 6. Victim had just cashed check and phoned friend about going to party. Friend advised he would pick him up. Victim received call saying friend and two men were outside apartment to pick him up. Victim got into car with two unknown men, friend was not present. In car, one man motioned that he had gun. Men ordered victim to empty pockets and hand over money and iPhone. Victim left vehicle, fled to apartment and called police.

Winding Star Circle, 5200 block, between 8:55 a.m. and 7:50 p.m. July 30. Victim returned home and found doors open throughout house. Master bedroom ransacked. Jewelry stolen. Entry gained through rear door. No signs of prying.

Twin Rivers & Green Mountain Circle, 8:15 p.m. July 29. Victim was riding bicycle home from community pool when he attempted to ride through tunnel. Four men approached him; one demanded bike. Victim refused and was threatened by suspect. Victim refused again, and one man grabbed handlebars and pulled bike from underneath victim. All four men fled.

If you have any further information about these crimes, call Howard County police at 410-313-2200.